Upcoming

Service Leader: Rev. Dr. Szabolcs “Szabi” Czire, the Balazs Scholar at Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, CA.Worship Associate: Eric Fisher

Music by The UUsual Suspects

Religious liberals are pretty much alike everywhere: Stand on the side of love, represent opposition to social oppression, sing songs like “Come, Come, Whoever You Are.” And we are pretty serious about it.The most important things in life meet us unprepared, and we still have to respond to them. It’s not the preparation, but our presence that makes the difference.

Service Leaders: Rev. Chris Bell, Andrew Hidas, Ben Ford Music by some UUsual Suspects & visiting MUUGS kids! There is no greater crisis facing humanity than that of climate change. The scientific forecasts for what the Earth's people, creatures and plants are likely to endure during the next hundred years range from seriously troubling to downright apocalyptic. You know the bad news, so today we'll lift up some of the positive things emerging from our response to this crisis; consider our response as individuals and as a religious community, and imagine the future world where humans will be true stewards living in harmony with nature.

Service Leaders: Rev. Chris Bell, Roger Corman, Jen Collins Music by the Choir, and some VERY special guests. Some have argued that human technological development has been the cause of the world's most pressing problems. (All those cars, all that plastic, all those people, all that alienation...) Yet ours is an evolutionary faith with faith in evolution, and a humanistic faith with faith in humans. Since our tools are an extension of our minds, hearts and selves, they contain as much promise as threat. How might we ensure that our tools serve the holy and the good?

Is my little self really a trustworthy source? Our First Source of Unitarian Universalism is “Direct experience of that transcend ing mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life.” We can trace this affirmation right to one of our greatest prophets, Ralph Waldo Emerson, who taught that we must trust ourselves, our own experience, thinking and intuition, first and foremost.

Service Leaders: Robin Rogers, Frances Corman, Veronica JordanMusic by The Choir, and Robin Rogers and Friends

All the great prophets spoke of unconditional love as a path way to enlightenment. But boy, that’s no easy challenge on the planet today. We will be discussing some of the human behaviors that prevent us from being loving to our family and friends. And how we can change those behaviors.

The choir sings us a Latin love song. We take a look at our UU Principles, Valentine's Day Edition. There will be plenty of Love to go around!

Harvard Scholar Wilfred Cantwell-Smith described faith as "the motivating force behind different religious expressions whether they be in symbols, beliefs, rituals or scriptures." Beliefs are sets of propositions. Faith is a mode of being, a way of responding to life with trust and intention. Today we'll consider the differences between faith and belief, which is more authoritative, and what it means to have one or the other tested.

Once a month, following the 11 A.M. Sunday Service, visitors and guests are invited to an informal brief meeting with the minister, Reverend Chris Bell, and one or two lay leaders. Questions are not only welcomed, but encouraged!

Bring your coffee or tea and join us in the Green Room, located at the opposite end of the hall from the social area.

The original Hebrew word for sacrifice means "to draw near." Although the practices of ancient sacrifice may shock us today, the need behind such practices remains: building a bridge to the Divine. Membership asks us to sacrifice time, talents and treasures to our community, and promises that the sacred will indeed draw nearer when we do.

The Youth Group will share reflections, poems, pictures and songs inspired by their service trip to Taos, New Mexico last summer as we reflect on the burdens facing those who are houseless and homeless, and consider the justice issue of affordable housing.

Service leaders: The Youth Group, Rev. Chris Bell, Deborah Mason, and Eric Fischer, with music by the Choir and the Youth Group.

North Bay Organizing Project is meeting here at UUCSR on March 8 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. We will have an opportunity to vote for the issues we want NBOP to pursue this year. Your vote is important to set the direction of NBOP's work. Several people expressed at the House Meetings that they wanted to get to know and feel more solidarity with people from the wide variety of communities in Sonoma County. Working with NBOP will definitely give you that experience. Please join us in this essential work.

Many in our congregation have experienced the uniquely challenging situation of being cared for during serious illness or disability. Many others have experienced being a caregiver for a loved one during their serious illness or disability. If you haven’t experienced that situation, you very likely may yet. What spiritual resources can sustain us during such a time? What do we discover inside ourselves?

Service Leaders: Gretchen Vap (preaching), David Hope, Sharon McCarty, with music by Robert Howseman and some UUsual Suspects.

Water — essential to life — yet a tenth of humanity lacks clean drinking water. Millions die yearly from contaminated water. Most in Sonoma County are blessed with high-quality water and good infrastructure — can we help ease the suffering of others, both locally and around the world? Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry partnership with communities in need of safe, clean, affordable, and accessible drinking water. Let's celebrate World Water Day and the Gift of Water by seeking a more just and equitable use of this precious resource.

Service Leaders: Susan Panttaja (preaching), Rev. Chris Bell, Sadie Sonntag, with music by the Choir.

After 11:00 service— Film “Thirsty for Justice,” powerful stories of people in California who fought for their right to water, and successful efforts of communities who supported CA’s human-right-to-water bill.

In the richest nation on earth, and wealthiest state in the nation, how can so many people lack access to safe affordable water for their basic human needs? Thirsty for Justice shares powerful stories of those who suffer from this assault on their personal health and human dignity, as well as the inspiring story of the grassroots movement that made the human right to water the law of the land in California. Let’s make that right a reality!

Panel Discussion and Q & A with panelists:Susan Panttaja, Environmental Geologist and Worship AssociateStephen Fuller-Rowell and Jane Nielson, Sonoma County Water CoalitionSalote Soqo, Environmental Justice Coalition for Water

Oh, what a glorious future you imagine for this beloved institution of ours! Today we’ll consider deeply the vision for the next decade of the congregation as uncovered at our recent house meetings, and get real about what we will have to sacrifice to achieve that vision. We will also celebrate the occasion of the Last Pledge Drive.

We mark the night of the Last Supper with a modern celebration of the ancient rituals of communion & foot washing. Jesus was a great Jewish prophet. Don’t let what others have said about him keep you away. All are welcome!

First, a service for facing sorrow and struggle, centered in the life and passion of Jesus of Nazareth. Then, a vigil with inspirational readings and periods of extended silence provides space to discover the presence of the Spirit of Life even in times of death and despair. You are welcome to come and go at any time during the vigil as you are able. Come and be healed.

Intergenerational Service at 11:00Let us celebrate the reality of Life in its gorgeous, ever-resurrecting splendor. Please bring a single flower or many flowers to share, as together we will create a huge beautiful bouquet for our annual Flower Communion ritual. At 11:00 our children will be in the whole service, and join in the making of music. This is an Easter service for everyone!

“I’m spiritual but I’m not religious,” says many a new member of UUCSR. A few old-timers say, “I’m religious but I’m not spiritual.” If you are a member of this congregation, Rev. Chris says you are both, whether you know it or not. Today we’ll look at what these words mean and how they can serve us, whatever our beliefs or lack thereof.

"You gotta sin to be saved," the old blues song goes. Good thing, since all of us occasionally do things that deliberately hurt others or ourselves, or we stray from our best intentions. Sin is one word that ably describes this condition. Unfortunately sin too often refers to permanently offending the divine being (which can’t be done), or having an inherently corrupt nature (an abominable notion). What is the UU use of this word? Can it help us on our path? Just what does it mean to be “saved” anyway?!?

Must you be Mt. Everest-ready to walk with the Faith and Fitness hiking group?Can you help the Caring Committee if you only have two hours a week ?Have you ever wondered what T.I.E. groups talk about?What kinds of books the book groups read?Our UUCSR committees and fun groups will have tables set up in the courtyard after each service on April 19th to answer all your questions.There's probably a lot more going on than you know.Come and learn how to get involved!

We tell ourselves stories that create our personal realities, just as our cultural and religious stories create the world we live in. We explore how our personal stories affect our creativity and joy. We also imagine how the world might be different today if our Unitarian/Universalist ancestors' stories about Jesus had been chosen as orthodoxy 1700 years ago.

It's time to sign up for this year's Women together Spring Weekend Retreat! We will gather and stay at the beautiful Saint Dorothy's Rest in Camp Meeker, about 30 miles west of Santa Rosa.Our theme is "Sisters" (biological or not). We will have our popular small group discussions on the theme and a variety of great workshops to choose among, plus our Silent Auction and the great food!Please fill out the registration form and bring it on Sunday, April 5th. Those with mobility issues should contact Kathy Norman before March 31.Sign-ups will be accepted after each service on April 5th, not before. We cannot hold your place without your payment. If you're not able to be there in person, fill out the form, give it and your check to a friend or roommate, if you've already decided on that, and ask her to sign up for you. The cost is $160 for a double room and $140 for a bed in the dorms. Scholarships are available at half price; just put 'Request scholarship' on your registration form. Please make your check payable to UUCSR and put Women's Retreat on the memo line.This year Saint Dorothy's is providing bedding and towels.We're looking forward to a wonderful week-end!

Once nearly all of our Unitarian and Universalist ancestors viewed the sacred as a Father. Feminist theologians and pagan perspectives brought much needed balance. Now hymns to our Mother appear in the hymnal. Yet many people reasonably wonder if the image of God as a parent makes any sense at all. Rev. Chris thinks it does.

Today we reflect on the “loaded” word church, and will call our community a congregation instead. We will look at many of the other names for spiritual community, and what they suggest about how to thrive together. A New Member Ceremony and a Bridging Ceremony will highlight the service. Oh, and the chancel will be filled with choir risers and chairs, so we will have “worship in the round” this day.

How’s that for a loaded word? It can mean trying to convert others (not always a bad thing, although sometimes annoying or even violent). It can also mean simply sharing your convictions out loud when appropriate. One of the easiest ways to have lots of friends at UUCSR is to invite your friends to join you here, so today we’ll talk about why, when and how to share your faith with other people without seeming like a pushy jerk, and practice our 30-second speeches on “What is Unitarian Universalism?”

We kick off next month’s theme (Exemplars and Pioneers) one week early with a service on the life and thought of Albert Camus, noted French existentialist and atheist. Often characterized as dark and despairing, his life and work is in truth a call to full and passionate embrace of the world, in all its contradictions. For Camus, that embrace required clear-eyed appraisals of politics, culture and his own conscience, no matter where it led him. Courage was the foundation that helped him endure the inevitable blow-back. This morning, we will examine his life and work from that prism of courage, with an assist from Robert Lunceford's music trio La Guinguette, playing and singing some vintage French tunes.

On the same day as our congregational meeting, we honor one of our congregation's founders, Carolyn Wolfe. Her vision, financial contribution and political savvy helped establish the Unitarian Fellowship of Sonoma County in 1955. Only one of her many accomplishments, come hear about Carolyn's life and how she helped lead our congregation to where it is today.

Sophia Fahs was a progressive writer, teacher, theologian and ultimately minister who led “a revolution in Unitarian religious education.” She departed from traditional methods of rote memorization and catechism, and expanded the content to include religious wisdom from all traditions. As her follower Rev. Barry Andrews notes, “Instead of telling children what they ought to believe, Fahs encouraged them to ponder for themselves the mysteries of the universe and human destiny.”

Each week it seems there's a new tragedy or disaster demanding our attention so it's not hard to forget the big problem of last week or last month! So on Sunday, June 14th, Rick Coshnear, a dedicated and effective immigration lawyer, will tell us what has become of the hundreds of unaccompanied children from Central America who took the dangerous, long trip first to Mexico and then across our border last summer. He will explain what DACA and DAPA are, catch us up on where comprehensive immigration reform stands in this new Congress, and tell us what's happening in our community and how we can help. We will meet in the Board Room from 11:45 to 1:15. A light lunch will be available for a donation.

This winning Service Auction service examines “the wound as the source of creativity.” What can we learn from the life and death of Robin Williams? Why do so many artists carry such pain and sorrow and yet bring forth such beauty and laughter? How might creativity help us heal our own wounds and the wounds of those around us? And what of the choice to end one’s own life?

We will celebrate the legacy of the late folksinger, activist and songwriter, with a service filled with stories, music and group singing. The guest speaker, Rolland Carlson, is a Worship Associate at the UU Fellowship of Northern Nevada. Many of our congregation musicians will be playing and leading the singing — a special service you won't want to miss.

On this July 4th weekend celebrating our national declaration of freedom 239 years ago, how well and honorably have we used that freedom? What remains of the moral integrity that underlay the vision of Madison, Jefferson and Hamilton? What are we free from, and what are we free for? A sermon in search of our nation's soul.

The Rev Jay Atkinson retired in June 2011 from 32 years of full-time service in Unitarian Universalist parish ministry -- most recently, 12 years in Studio City, and before that, 13 years in Davis, California.

Today we will hear the good news and fresh ideas that Rev. Chris and our delegates have learned at the UUA General Assembly in Portland, Oregon. We will consider where our national and international leaders are steering us, and what our place might be as a congregation, and as individuals, in our broader movement. We’ll sing a few of the rousing old hymns, too!

The meeting has one voting item: "Shall the BLACK LIVES MATTER banner be displayed in a location, such as in our front window, which constitutes a public statement of congregational support of the BLACK LIVES MATTER movement?" The agenda may be viewed here.

This winning Service Auction service will examine contemporary understandings of gender and sexuality, particularly among younger people, and affirm our stand for the equality of all expressions of human love and human being. Bring a friend!

Who are we? What is our core identity? People who’ve had near death experiences and returned to tell about it, tell of encountering a compassionate, brilliant white light. What is that light? Insights from science and physics, Leo Tolstoy, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Kenneth Bing and the Lotus Sutra.

Luscious tomatoes, peaches, zucchini... the bounty of our earth surrounds us, even in these difficult drought times in California. How do we reconcile this time of abundance with the extreme scarcity faced by many in our state? How can we bear witness to the sacrifices which bring about sustenance in our lives? On a personal level, how do we deal with times of spiritual drought and abundant harvest? We will explore the link between those questions in this service, whose theme springs from the pagan harvest holiday Lammas, marking the ending of a time of sacrifice and scarcity with the coming of the first harvest.

We especially invite those with a surplus of summer produce to bring that for our table of bounty. After the service we will share this bounty with the families at the Family Support Center.

In 1991, Lauren Atress, Canon Pastor of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, went on a pilgrimage to Chartres Cathedral in France to experience the medieval labyrinth inlaid in its stone floor early in the 13th century. That began a renaissance of labyrinth creation and use throughout the world. This Sunday, with reflections, music and poetry, we explore how the modern spiritual practice of the labyrinth can aid us in our searches for healing and transformation. Our canvass labyrinth will be on the chancel floor, and all will have the opportunity to walk. Wheel chairs & walkers welcome.

Our speaker Kate Jenkins, M.A., Executive Director of Friends Outside In Sonoma County tells us about this innovative non-profit dedicated to breaking the cycle of crime, violence and delinquency.She tells us specifics of various programs at Friends Outside, how they work, and ways we can help with their good work.

FRIENDS OUTSIDE embraces an underlying belief that every human being has value and the potential to add value to his or her family and community. A portion of their mission reads: "To reduce cycles of violence, crime and incarceration by empowering and assisting offenders to make choices for successful re-entry into their families' lives and the community..."

FRIENDS OUTSIDE provides services and programs for Sonoma County jail inmates and their family members in order to improve their circumstances and strengthen their family relationships. Research has shown that this kind of support makes it less likely that offenders will commit new crimes after release.

Since their founding in 1982 by Virginia Heck, the Sonoma County FRIENDS OUTSIDE organization has supported men and women, impacted by their or someone else’s incarceration, to make choices for responsible living.

"No matter how much we may think we are, none of us is perfect. We all make mistakes and we all have to be willing to give each other a second chance.'' - Virginia Heck

We will meet in the Board Room from 11:45 to 1:15. A light lunch will be available for a donation.

It's our second year at Enchanted Hills Camp, and everyone last year agreed it was the best camp site ever!Start preparing for the one retreat of the year designed for everyone in the congregation – parents, kids, teens, adults, singles and grandparents. There’ll be loads of fun, with campfire songs, swimming in the Enchanted Hills pool, workshops, relaxation, and dazzling entertainment with the annual UU talent show.The majority of the cabins and the lodge are very comfortable with real mattresses and indoor bath-rooms. However, the camp does offer very rustic (Gualala-like) cabins for a lower price.If you are interested in receiving a discount, we are looking for helpers for the preschool kids on Saturday morning for a couple of hours. Just email Carol Kraemer at uucamp@santarosa.org. Also, we are setting up some terrific workshops – but have room for a couple more. If you have an interesting talent that you’d like to share with others, email Carol Kraemer at uucamp@santarosa.org about putting on a workshop. (This would also give you a discount).Be sure and mark your calendar! It’ll be a peaceful, serene weekend amidst the redwoods, but filled with rousing excitement, games and entertainment for the whole family.We hope to see you there !

What is the difference between politics and social justice? Why do we engage in social justice work as UUs? Social Justice is part of our heritage and calling. We explore our history and grounding in this, and learn about efforts UUs engage in as part of our desire to build Beloved Community.

Faith sometimes feels like the telephone game, conveying our own experience to another, it getting lost in translation. Stories of elders finding and translating their truth fills our history. Let’s explore the past, and let it guide us on our spiritual journey.Jessica Clay, in her 3rd year at Starr King school Seminary, is a Candidate for Fellowship with the UUA. She comes to the Ministry as a second career.

The poetry of Rumi and Hafiz is as popular today as ever thanks to the collections of Coleman Barks, Daniel Ladinsky and others. For most, this is all the Sufism we know. Today we'll dig a little deeper into this old and beautiful tradition, and uncover how it might inform and shape our lives for today.

Work: We spend more time on it than any activity except sleeping. It's one of the first things we ask about when we meet someone. We may love it or hate it -- or just wish we had it! At a time when the U.S. labor movement is in severe decline and so many people lack secure employment and living wages, can work still be a source of spiritual and political strength, as it was for many of our ancestors? UUCSR Ministerial Intern Millie Phillips explores these questions and more in observance of Labor Day.

We will celebrate the beginning of the new school and congregational year, and reconstitute our UUCSR community after the summer with our annual Ingathering Services. We’ll hear an original story from Fabelia and share in the Water Communion, so please bring a small container of water from your home, your summer travels or your special sacred spot, if you are able.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a local non-profit organization that trains volunteers to be mentors/advocates for children the Courts have taken out of their homes because of abuse or neglect. Our speaker will be Heidi Alvarez, a former CASA and the current Volunteer Director.

We will meet in the Board Room from 12:45 to 2:15. A light lunch will be available for a donation.

NEW FILM PROJECT FROM ADVOCATES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE. Taking social justice issues as topic guides, A4SJ is launching a film project with RACISM as the first topic. We will be offering two showings of each film. Our first film will be "GOOD HAIR" with Chris Rock, to be shown on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 at 7 PM and again on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, at 12:45 PM. Discussion will follow the showing of the film, providing an opportunity to share experiences, thoughts and feelings. We look forward to seeing you at the theater, our very own Board Room. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

Service Leaders: Rev. Chris Bell, Andy Levine, The T.I.E. Steering Committee Special Music by: Robin Rogers and some UUsual Suspects Basket shared with: Sonoma County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Any number of jokes refer to Unitarian Universalist love of conversation. It is said that given the choice between going to heaven or going to a discussion group about heaven, the UU will always choose the latter. Hardy-har-har. Actually the right kind of discussion group, marked by safety, adaptability and deep listening can be quite heavenly. Our Together in Exploration (T.I.E.) groups represent a spiritual practice as potentially transformative as any other, and are a powerful tool for building community. We hope you will sign up for one after the service today!

NEW FILM PROJECT FROM ADVOCATES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE. Taking social justice issues as topic guides, A4SJ is launching a film project with RACISM as the first topic. We will be offering two showings of each film. Our first film will be "GOOD HAIR" with Chris Rock, to be shown on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 at 7 PM and again on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, at 12:45 PM. Discussion will follow the showing of the film, providing an opportunity to share experiences, thoughts and feelings. We look forward to seeing you at the theater, our very own Board Room. Feel free to bring a bag lunch.

A WINNING SERMON FROM THE SERVICE AUCTION. Two years ago a number of UUCSR members joined Rev. Chris in an extended reading of the Quran, the Holy Book of the Islamic Faith. The teachings of this strange and remarkable book created a global community of Muslims in less than a century, and continues to unite and inspire many millions of believers today. In the light of recent history and current events, Rev. Chris will share his reflections on what was found within its pages, and what we might learn about building faithful community from it.

If we are to make a difference in our society, or in our own lives, we have to learn how to change our thinking and the thinking of other people. But before we can change a mind, we have to open it. This is so much easier said than done. Yet in the case of issues such as climate change, our very survival depends upon it. Today we'll learn some spiritual techniques for liberating ourselves from the grip of opinion, and techniques for inviting such openness from others.

Service Leaders: Rev. Chris Bell, Andy Levine, The T.I.E. Steering Committee Special Music by: Robin Rogers and some UUsual Suspects Basket shared with: COAUU saves!!! We don't claim to know if it saves other than in this life, but it certainly can and does save in the here-and-now. This Sunday's service discusses the transformations available in discovering UU and finding one's ongoing spiritual path within this beloved community we call home.

Service Leaders: Rev. Chris Bell, Sharon McCarty, John RaySpecial Music by: The UUsual Suspects Basket shared with: CASAEmotional reactions are important clues from our inner wisdom and complement our reason as we try to chart our course through life. Yet when intense emotions consume us, all rationality and good intention can fly out the window. Many of us have never learned how to cope with really in-tense emotions. Today we will build on the writing of Pema Chodron to help learn how to transform our relationship to these states of mind.

Service Leaders: Balazs Scholar Rev. László Major, David Hope Special Music by: The Choir Basket Shared with: Breakfast For Our NeighborsHumility matters. At the core of our experience of life, a central quality of being. Humility may be for a Unitarian, what enlightenment is for a Buddhist, realization is for a Hindu, sincerity is for a Confucian, righteousness is for a Jew, surrender is for a Muslim, and annihilation is for a Sufi. Humility is what others see of our purity of heart.Since graduating in 2011 from the Protestant Theological Institute in Kolozsvár, Romania, Rev. Major has served as minister in the predominantly Unitarian village of Datk. In four years, he initiated a church choir, a women`s association, summer camp for children, cultural events, and social gatherings. They are renovating their community house to make more room! This year he wants to study pastoral care for families and the relationship between illness/health and faith with the hope of putting this into practice in congregational life.

ADVOCATES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE MONTHLY FILM PROJECT will present the second of a series of films on the topic of Racism. Friday October 30th at 7 PM and Sunday, November 1st at 12:45 PM. This film, a 45 minute gem, #BLACKMENDREAM by Shikeith Cathey, features 9 black men answering basic but piercing questions that reveal their humanness and their experiences as black men. The filmmaker's intent was to create dialogue within the community of black men and along the way he has given all of us an opportunity to leave our assumptions behind and really see these 9 individuals. This is a revealing, moving film. Discussion will follow the showing of the film, providing an opportunity to share experiences, thoughts and feelings.

We look forward to seeing you at the theater, our very own Board Room. On Fridays, the doors will open at 6:45 P.M. and entry to the Board room will be by the door which opens directly from the Board room onto Mendocino Ave.

Service Leaders: Rev. Chris Bell Special Music by: Eric Skagerberg and some UUsual SuspectsMany traditions recognize this time of year, with its falling leaves, as one when the boundary between life and death grows thin. This service will give us a chance to honor our ancestors and departed loved ones, and make friends with the reality of death. An Offrenda altar will be built. Please bring an image or object that represents a person (or more) who has passed away.

ADVOCATES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE MONTHLY FILM PROJECT will present the second of a series of films on the topic of Racism. Friday October 30th at 7 PM and Sunday, November 1st at 12:45 PM. This film, a 45 minute gem, #BLACKMENDREAM by Shikeith Cathey, features 9 black men answering basic but piercing questions that reveal their humanness and their experiences as black men. The filmmaker's intent was to create dialogue within the community of black men and along the way he has given all of us an opportunity to leave our assumptions behind and really see these 9 individuals. This is a revealing, moving film. Discussion will follow the showing of the film, providing an opportunity to share experiences, thoughts and feelings.

We look forward to seeing you at the theater, our very own Board Room. On Fridays, the doors will open at 6:45 P.M. and entry to the Board room will be by the door which opens directly from the Board room onto Mendocino Ave.Sunday, please enter Board room from the office workroom and feel free to bring a bag lunch.

Get ready to join the fun and excitement of UUCSR’s biggest social event of the year! Mark your calendar, set your smart phone or just put a sticky note on your refrigerator…you won’t want to miss our Annual Service Auction Extravaganza!

Our annual dinner and auction is the largest fundraiser of the year for UUCSR’s general operating fund. YOU, our creative and generous member or friend, offer wonderful donations for our silent auction…dinners, yard work, theater tickets, theme parties, dog walking, hand. crafted jewelry, trash hauling… the list has no boundaries!

Volunteers scour the city and countryside to gather fabulous donations from local businesses to add to the offerings. So, consider what you might be able to donate this year to the fun!

Service Leaders: Rev. Chris Bell, Eric Fischer, Millie PhillipsMusic by: Sadie Sonntag and THE CHOIR Share the Basket:Graton Day Labor CenterUUs pride themselves on being free-thinkers, independents, iconoclasts. But nearly every religious tradition, monastic order, or spiritual community has a clear set of rules and guidelines. At UUCSR we profess a Covenant, a Mission, and our Principles, all of which demand clear actions from us. How do we resolve this tension? And what are the benefits of subjecting ourselves to the Rules?‛

All of these distinguished panelists, who have a long history of advocacy for low income housing, will discuss the issues that face Sonoma County in our effort to retain and create more affordable housing. They will take questions from the audience and talk about what we can do to help.

We will meet in the Board Room from 12:45 to 2:15. A light lunch will be available for a donation.

Service Leaders: Scott Miller, Andy Levine, John Ray Music by: John Ray and some UUsual SuspectsShare the Basket: The Committee on the ShelterlessTravel re-opens our eyes, gives us back a world we’ve lost. Eyes are 'washed‛ in new seas and hands are touched by new people and new places. The Shinto tradition calls this awakening to the animating presence of spirit. Through sharing experiences of travel (Andy bicycling through the Southwest, Scott sailing around the world with Semester at Sea), this service will invite reflection on these experiences and help us bring the wonder of travel home.

ADVOCATES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE MONTHLY FILM PROJECT will present the third of a series of films on the topic of Racism. Friday November 20th at 7 PM. "Cornbread, Earl and Me", a 1975 ninety-five minute drama that could be a story from our 2015 healdlines. Not to reveal too much, this story has a just ending though it is replete with injustices as it unfolds. The just ending turns on the courage of a truth telling 12 year old child. That child is played by Laurence Fishburne. This is a compelling story. Discussion will follow the showing of the film, providing an opportunity to share experiences, thoughts and feelings.

We look forward to seeing you at the theater, our very own Board Room. On Fridays, the doors will open at 6:45 P.M. and entry to the Board room will be by the door which opens directly from the Board room onto Mendocino Ave.

Service Leaders: Rev. Chris Bell, Nancy Hargis Music by:Sadie Sonntag and THE CHOIR Share the Basket: Breakfast with our Neighbors (100% Share!)Governor Brown just signed a bill allowing certain terminally ill patients to choose to end their lives under circumstances of great suffering. Yet, for a long, long time the Hippocratic Oath appeared to keep doctors from allowing patients to choose to end their own lives. What might the UU approach to this delicate issue be? Where do you stand?

ADVOCATES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE MONTHLY FILM PROJECT will present the third of a series of films on the topic of Racism. Sunday November 22nd at 12:45 P.M. "Cornbread, Earl and Me", a 1975 ninety-five minute drama that could be a story from our 2015 healdlines. Not to reveal too much, this story has a just ending though it is replete with injustices as it unfolds. The just ending turns on the courage of a truth telling 12 year old child. That child is played by Laurence Fishburne. This is a compelling story. Discussion will follow the showing of the film, providing an opportunity to share experiences, thoughts and feelings.

We look forward to seeing you in the R.E. Common Room after the 11 A.M. service. Please feel free to bring a bag lunch

Service Leaders: Rev. Chris Bell, Andrew Hidas Music by: Ben Ford and some UUsual Suspects Share the Basket: The YWCA Shelter (aka 'A Special Place') Consciously or not, most of us impose rules and limitations upon ourselves through habituated patterns. Whether mystics, addicts or somewhere in the middle, whether choosing a spiritual discipline or simply stuck in a rut, habits shape our lives everyday. Our whole culture often maintains unjust or short-sighted ways of being. What is the secret to using the power of habit wisely?

Music by: Robin Rogers and some UUsual SuspectsShare the Basket: VOICES

There is a "peace which passeth all understanding," a serenity and ease that can be achieved even in the midst of great suffering and turmoil. A great children's story, some concrete meditation techniques, and the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh will help us learn how to generate an attitude of non-violence, compassion and ease in our own hearts, so we can bring that spirit into a broken and hurting world.

Service Leaders: Rev. Chris Bell, Frances Corman, Millie Phillips Music by: Sadie Sonntag and The Choir Share the Basket: The Living Room

Our families, whatever their shape or size, offer infinite possibilities for growth and fulfillment. They can also be the context for terrible suffering and struggle. We'll look at the social and cultural pressures that challenge families today, and consider how we can we live in peace with the people who are closest to us, and raise our children to be makers and lovers of peace.

Amy Appleton from SHARE Sonoma County will tell us about her exciting home share program that matches Seniors who need financial or personal assistance with folks who need an affordable place to live. If you know anyone in either of those positions, you might find this Hot Topic very helpful. There will be plenty of time for questions.

We will meet in the Board Room from 12:45 to 2:00. A light lunch will be available for a donation.

The Advocates for Social Justice will present the fourth of a series of films on the topic of Racism on December 18 and December 20. This film, a documentary, "The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975", offers a riveting review of the racial history of this era. We hear from Stokely Carmichael, Angela Davis, Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Eldridge Cleaver and others. The film is the work of Swedish Television journalists and documents the unfolding cultural revolution for their audience back home. As always, discussion will follow each showing.

Service Leaders: Nancy Hargis, Jen Collins Music by: Robert Howseman and some UUsual Suspects Share the Basket: SHARE Sonoma County

Join us for poetry and song to celebrate winter time. This will be a calm, musical and meditative service to bring some peace during this crazy season. This deepest time of winter brings us within where renewal begins. If you wish, you may bring something of your journey here on the altar.

The Advocates for Social Justice will present the fourth of a series of films on the topic of Racism on December 18 and December 20. This film, a documentary, "The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975", offers a riveting review of the racial history of this era. We hear from Stokely Carmichael, Angela Davis, Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Eldridge Cleaver and others. The film is the work of Swedish Television journalists and documents the unfolding cultural revolution for their audience back home. As always, discussion will follow each showing.

A joyful celebration of the great healer and teacher Jesus, and the true spirit of the Holiday season, replete with carols and candles. In the midst of the madness, come savor a moment of true stillness, and fill your soul with hope. All are warmly welcome - invite a friend! The collection is taken completely for the Minister's Discretionary Fund, which is available throughout the year to our members in need.

A chance to reflect on the events of 2015 and to share the lessons, insights and changes we've experienced over the last 12 months. How have you grown in wisdom over the year? Who are you now? Be generous with your story, and come and share with us today